Cost and Strategy for Global Fleets
Being neutral and independent from both finance companies and OEMs gives Fleet Logistics the ability to both reduce costs and improve strategy for global fleets.
Makers Still Focusing on Lighter Materials, Better Engines to Meet CAFE
Broader use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum, and ever more efficient new engines top the list of strategies the auto industry is using to meet 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy or CAFE standard of 54.5 mpg, according the annual Wards Auto survey of engineers from both automakers and major suppliers.
The study, sponsored by DuPont Automotive, also shows that carmakers and suppliers are taking a hard look at a variety of technologies as the mid-term review deadline looms. Interest in diesel engines, fuel cell and even bio-fuels all increased in this year’s survey.
EV Owners Paying More and Getting Less
Sales of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles have stumbled in recent months, and industry analysts put much of the blame on low gasoline prices, but other factors may be at work, a new study showing residuals, or trade-in prices, for battery-cars have been falling rapidly.
EV proponents have long used two separate arguments to promote the technology. They emphasize its environmental benefits. But they also focus on the potential cost savings by turning to relatively cheap electricity, rather than gasoline, to move the metal down the road.
Gas Prices Poised for a Steep Drop
Gas prices are down, and they are about to fall even further -- perhaps to less than $2 a gallon.
"There will be thousands, even tens of thousands of stations below $2 by the time we're into football season," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for the Oil Price Information Service, which tracks retail prices for AAA.
Big Changes in the License and Title Arena
Recent changes to license and title highlight the uniqueness around every single transaction, right down to VIN-specific and driver-specific regulations.
